Looking good on two wheels
One of our most recent success stories has been with a fashion client. The fashion and apparel industry is a sector that is largely overlooked when it comes to claiming R&D tax credits.
The client wanted to design and develop a single-layered, lightweight, breathable garments for the female motorcyclist. They did this by combining materials and fabrics whilst meeting PPE regulatory requirements and achieving the highest AAA standard rating. It’s worth noting at this stage that there was no information publicly available to inform the team of how to achieve a AAA standard.
The area of technology in which the advance is being sought is textile science. Broadly, this covers scientific knowledge in materials, chemistry, manufacture, and system sciences related to fibres, fibrous assemblies, and textiles. The specific advance in relation to this project was in connection with a combination of man-made fabrics.
The company faced technical uncertainty in the composition of the optimum fabric required to achieve a AAA standard. This includes the initial selection of materials and establishing the correct quantities in the mixing process.
In addition to this, the other areas of technical uncertainty in the project were durability (whilst also remaining lightweight enough to be a summer garment), as well as comfort and sizing (including breathability).
Development of the garment was a success, and the product achieved a AAA rating
which competitors have failed to attain on similar products.
This was confirmed in the final round of testing which involves the provision of thorough risk assessments, product specification, and user information booklet.
Our client claimed a substantial amount in tax relief in the form of a cash payment.
To unlock a higher level of rebate and to ensure you don’t get into trouble for making a claim, you do need a specialist to look at this for you.
To maximise your R&D claim, please contact us.